Analyses the impact of democratic decentralization on the chances of social excluded groups to participate in newly created local governance (Panchayat Rai) institutions. Discusses the results of an interview survey, finding that, in Kerala, women, lower castes and the poor are at least represented as other groups at the Panchayat level whereas in... more...

The remarkable changes in China over the past three decades are mostly considered at the national level, whereas local government ? which has played and continues to play a key role in these developments ? is often overlooked. The themes of China?s local administrative hierarchy, and its historical evolution, have until now received scant attention;... more...

Due to state and federally mandated programs, local governments are increasingly resorting to innovative and alternative means of performing their functions because taxpayers are becoming more resistant to tax increases. Certain conditions need to exist for governmental innovation to be possible. This work explores these situations, using case studies... more...

Since the Chinese economic reform was realized in the early 1990s, a significant revolution has been launched socially, economically, and politically in China. At present, China is an indispensable actor in the international arena, so that the transitionsdomestically bring about substantial influence on the whole world. Dynamics of Local Governance... more...

Public procurement  the purchase of goods and services by governments and state-owned enterprises  accounts for about 15 per cent of GDP in OECD countries and is highly exposed to corruption. Both public and private actors in the procurement process may be tempted to divert goods and services or public funds for their personal use.... more...

This review of Iceland's environmental conditions and policies evaluates progress in reducing the pollution burden, improving natural resource management, integrating environmental and economic policies, and strengthening international co-operation. The analyses presented are supported by a broad range of economic and environmental data. more...

Different forms of city government are in widespread use across the United States. The two most common structures are the mayor-council form and the council-manager form. In many large U.S. cities, there have been passionate movements to change the str more...